Environmental impacts of small-scale hydropower facilities.

Discusses with emphasis on U.S.A. requirements the environmental effects of small scale hydroelectric power station development. Notes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requirements for an environmental report and examines the importance of instream flows and water level fluctuations. Guidelines e.g. the Aquatic Base Flow Recommendation, The Northern Great Plains, and Iowa recommendations on monthly flow duration curves and the Habitat-Discharge Method are outlined. Possible water quality problems are studied. Fish passage through hydraulic turbines and subsequent mortality is discussed. Guidelines are outlined for dredging operations. Other topics examined are construction impacts and general planning coordination. (C.J.U.)